ART AS ACTIVISM POST- Kelly Bartko

1. WHY ARTISTIC ACTIVISM? | Center for Artistic Activism

“The ability of artistic activism to surprise us – to show up in unlikely places (e.g. not a gallery) or take on unfamiliar forms (e.g. not a protest march) provides an opportunity to disrupt people’s preconceived notions of art and protest, and their predetermined ideas about the messages we are trying to communicate. Artistic activism creates an opportunity to bypass seemingly fixed political ideas and moral ideals and remap cognitive patterns. Surprise is a moment when hearts can be touched and minds reached, and both changed.” 

I really like the way that this was explained. People always seem to have some kind of judgment or take on something before they even learn about it. Artistic activism gets that bad rep, I guess that's why they say don't judge a book by its cover; you never know how something or someone will impact and change your life.

“Artistic activism draws from culture, to create culture, to impact culture. An artistic activist might craft an image that prompts people to rethink how we look at reality, or stage a performance which calls into question what values and institutions are “normal” in a society, or create an artifact prefiguring an alternative, better world. In each case, expanding, and prodding what we consider normal, possible, or even conceivable. If artistic activism is successful, the larger culture shifts in ways big and small.”

Artistic activism comes from what people know and are surrounded by, that's what makes someone passionate about something. And being able to challenge that idea is what motivates most artistic activists, being able to convey an idea that seems different to most. 

2. An Introduction to Activist Art | The Collector | by Stefanie Graf 

“Some of Gustave Courbet’s Realist works are also examples of political art expressing social critique. Courbet was an important figure in the Realism movement. Completely unembellished, he depicted the life and harsh working conditions of the lower classes. The artist’s work mirrored his political beliefs. Courbet was involved with the Paris Commune of 1871, a socialist government that only lasted about two months. His involvement resulted in Courbet’s imprisonment and his subsequent death in exile.”

I had never heard of Gustave Courbet before reading this, it was very interesting to learn how much he has done for the art community. Each of his pieces feels like its flowing into a story. They each have something coming after. Like politics, theres always something or someone affected whether its good or bad.

“While the supporters of the construction see the wall as a justified safety measure, the West Bank Wall was also criticized as a segregating barrier reminiscent of apartheid. The anonymous artist Banksy seemingly agreed with the opponents of the wall and his graffiti showing a protester throwing flowers instead of a Molotov cocktail appeared in the center of Jerusalem. With the apparent message calling for flowers instead of violence, the work has often been interpreted as a call for peace.” 

I liked this quote mainly because it explains a way in which to have a more silent way of expressing yourself through activism. Not that activism needs to be silent in that way but it's an interesting different way to show how something silent can also speak volumes to others.

ART AS ACTIVISM POST - choose an artwork

The Migration Gained in Momentum by Jacob Lawrence, 1940-41, via MoMA, New York

This work depicts people leaving during WWI and going to find work since it was in demand. I picked this work because at a first glance you don’t exactly know where they are going but you can wonder if they are going somewhere or leaving somewhere. 

Artists Using Their Creativity to Drive Activism | Global Citizen

“El Anatsui, a visionary originally from Ghana, blends discarded materials into breathtaking sculptures that, in themselves, advocate for change and prompt us to reimagine our relationship with the environment.

His meticulous artistry serves as a vivid reminder of environmental challenges and promotes responsible consumption while honoring cultural diversity. Anatsui's installations go beyond galleries, they ignite contemplation and spark a dialogue on pressing social issues, inviting collective action.”

I enjoyed reading about all the artists but his work was very different and stood out to me. It reminded me of a piece at my old college that used thousands of water bottles and other similar plastics to create an ocean and wildlife. In the moment I did not even think of that as activism.

“Ghada Amer, a trailblazing artist and relentless gender equity activist, fearlessly breaks boundaries and sparks conversations that challenge societal norms. Born in Egypt and now based in the United States, Amer draws inspiration from her multicultural background to create powerful and thought-provoking works of art.”

Ghada Amer was also fascinating to learn about. She uses her heritage and gender to defy and to make people question these feminine traditions. Her work crosses boundaries and promotes inclusion and cultural comprehension. As she advocates for a more equal world and takes on social issues, she amplifies the voices of the less fortunate.